As a 23 year old A1C, which is a better duty station, Edwards, or Eglin?

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 22:38:23 -0500

Response by SrA Charles Taylor made Jan 26 at 2016 10:40 PM

SrA Charles Taylor — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 22:40:25 -0500

I was at Edwards back in the 90s. It was a fantastic base. They got everything. Heavies, bombers, fighters. NASA. Lots of testing going on there. Since then, all houses were rebuilt. Very nice. Out in the high desert. Great weather year round and close to the coast and of course, LA, Santa Barbara, and San Diego ain't that long of a drive. Neither is Vegas.

Response by SSgt Jamie Ritter LeBlanc made Jan 26 at 2016 11:02 PM

SSgt Jamie Ritter LeBlanc — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 23:02:08 -0500

Just remember where ever you go, the place is what you make it.

Response by SSgt Robert Jorgensen made Jan 26 at 2016 11:26 PM

SSgt Robert Jorgensen — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 23:26:08 -0500

Never been to Edwards, spent a week tdy at Eglin. Depending what you like to do - swim, dance, drink, boating, parasailing - just a few of the things I found to do. On the coast of the Gulf of Mexico yet in winter it can be cool, summer hot & humid. Can be a really busy place.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Jan 26 at 2016 11:50 PM

SSgt Jim Gilmore — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 23:50:58 -0500

Young Airman, you have the world by the short and curlies. My opinion is to voice a preference and make the best of what you end up with. When I was on AD, probably before your dad was born, I had 7 PC assignments in 7 years of active duty. Some I loved, some I hated, Some were good, some not so good and a couple of What the HELL were you thinking assignments. Don't limit yourself. Get out there and see the world while the opportunities exist. My advice to you is to consider your long term objectives. Make yourself more valuable to your military superiors and to a future civilian employers. Go where needed, when needed, do your best and make the most of it.

Response by SSgt Dustin Coy made Jan 26 at 2016 11:53 PM

SSgt Dustin Coy — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 23:53:40 -0500

So, I'll start this off saying that I've been to both places, and I think it really depends on what you like, what your AFSC is, and what specific job you'll be doing while you're there. I'm a "Western US" kind of guy, so if I personally had a choice, I'd lean toward Edwards.

I was TDY to Edwards for about 70 days as part of the C17 flight test program attached to the 1275th back in '94. I thought Edwards was a great base with a lot of history around it, and I've often thought that if I could have spent some more time in flight test, I may have very well have decided to make a career out of it. I saw some amazing things at Edwards, from the B2 test flight program and the competition between the YF22 and YF23 during their selection process. Even had the space shuttle (Discovery if I remember right) land there while I was there. Lancaster and Palmdale aren't necessarily bad areas (well not as bad as some places I've been). You're close enough to Vegas and LA to go visit the attractions but not right down in the mess of it all. Traffic was kind of snarled when I was there as I remember, and the ride into the base is a bit long as it is huge over the dry lake beds.

I visited Eglin (wasn't stationed or TDY there) when I was in Tech School at Keesler, and it has a beautiful beach on the Gulf Coast, and the "scenery" in the surrounding areas was awesome when I was 19 and single. Was there over the 4th of July in '92 down there and had an awesome time. I'd imagine that if you head to Daytona during "spring break" it would probably be pretty cool too. Since you're in the panhandle you're close to Alabama, Mississippi and of course New Orleans, if Mardis Gras is more your thing. Hurricanes aren't uncommon, in fact Hurricane Andrew blew through there and the rest of the gulf coast right after I left Keesler.

Both have a warm climate, although it always felt more comfortable at Edwards because of the lack of humidity. I much rather work in 105 degree heat with 18-20% humidity, than 90 degrees and 100% humidity.

If you've got a choice between the two, I'd say consider yourself fortunate. :-)

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jan 27 at 2016 12:03 AM

Capt Brandon Charters — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 00:03:14 -0500

1st Lt Adam Benavides or Capt Adam W. Might have an opinion as they were both stationed at Edwards. I've heard the missions there are really interesting and you can get a ton of experience very quickly. If it was my dream sheet, I'd go Eglin. Florida beach sand trumps CA desert sand in my book.

Response by MSgt John Carroll made Jan 27 at 2016 12:24 AM

MSgt John Carroll — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 00:24:32 -0500

Without a doubt Eglin. With that said, every base is what you make of it. If you are going to sit in your dorm and play video games, both assignments are the same. I PCS'd away from Eglin in June '14. I loved it but it was time to move. There are a lot of beautiful women. A lot of Night Clubs. And with that , a lot of tourists and a lot drugs. Don't be stupid. You also have NAVSCOLEOD, the Joint EOD School, on Eglin. You also have several Tech Schools on Hurlbert Field. Additionally, there is portion of US Army Ranger school there along with 7th Special Forces Group. Why do I tell you this? You are military and everyone knows it. Good guys and bad guys know it. After all that, I would gladly go back.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 27 at 2016 1:00 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 01:00:29 -0500

SrA Private RallyPoint Member, I was stationed at Eglin from 1967-1970 and it was a great place to be when it was the Armament Development and Test Center. I was working on the land test ranges and saw a lot of very interesting weapons development - probably my best assignment, although it was outside my AFSC.

There are a world of things to do there off duty - fishing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing/diving, aero club, lots of night spots. I went hunting in Alabama several times, and the locals treated military like family. The beaches along the coast are spectacular white sand, and beachcombing after storms turns up some really old relics. I did some diving on an old Spanish wreck just off the coast, which I suspect was the source of some of that stuff.

Didn't much care for Hurricane Camille though, and fortunately it veered west at the last moment and hit Biloxi/Gulfport instead of Eglin as predicted. It left an ugly mess with ocean going cargo ships sitting on top of restaurants, and driveways going up to sand dunes that had been antebellum houses.

The area has changed a great deal since I was there; the beach club is now a sand dune - it got washed away by a hurricane - and where there had been sand dunes there are now rows and rows of hotels and night clubs.

I don't know how much weapons testing they are doing now, but it was a bustling place when the Viet Nam war was active. They had all of the new aircraft undergoing tests at the time too.

I have no idea what they are doing in the way of Cyber Security, but there was a lot of secret squirrel (Special Ops) activity in the area as I recall. And the final phase of Army Ranger training is in the Western Test Range complex.

It sounds to me like you have a win/win decision to make - you can't lose either way you go IMHO.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 3:31 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 03:31:49 -0500

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Depends on career field, interest, weather likes/dislikes, single/married, ect... If it were me I would choose Eglin. Lots of stuff to do!

Response by TSgt Anthony White made Jan 27 at 2016 5:13 AM

TSgt Anthony White — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 05:13:57 -0500

I've been to both, and to me Eglin would be my choice, that is strictly my opinion. Awesome base, beautiful beaches and communities.

Response by Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin made Jan 27 at 2016 7:51 AM

Maj Kevin "Mac" McLaughlin — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 07:51:22 -0500

Go for the right job, not the location. The right job will help you enjoy what you do more and provide more opportunities to excel. I love the Destin/Ft Walton area (and FL for that matter) but the reason I'm in San Antonio is for the job I currently hold. I came here because I knew cyber is big in the area. I love the DC area more, but I prefer to avoid the high costs and traffic.

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jan 27 at 2016 7:55 AM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 07:55:09 -0500

It depends is the best answer. I can tell you either way you go, it will be whatever you make it. The base will not decide how you feel when you get there - you will. Make the most of every opportunity. :-)

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jan 27 at 2016 8:17 AM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 08:17:28 -0500

There is a lot going on at Edwards. Plus Cali isn't to bad but I am a Gulf Coast kind of guy...If given the choice, I would take the Gulf Coast.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 8:33 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 08:33:01 -0500

Ft Walton is a great place. My first duty station was Hurlburt and I lived in base housing on Eglin. I still travel to Eglin several times a year with my civilian job.

Response by MSgt Kris Shute made Jan 27 at 2016 9:02 AM

MSgt Kris Shute — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 09:02:37 -0500

Depends on what you like. Edwards is in the middle nowhere and Eglin is in a city. If it were me I would pick Eglin

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 11:05 AM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 11:05:51 -0500

Serious? Eglin all day! Okaloosa Island is a 21 year old's dream.

Response by TSgt David L. made Jan 27 at 2016 11:46 AM

TSgt David L. — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 11:46:22 -0500

Never been to Edwards but I was stationed at Eglin for 10 years. MSgt John Carroll covered it pretty well. Tons of outdoors stuff to do. There is plenty of night life as well. Spring break? Panama City of course. Panama City Beach is about an hour east and the Pensacola is just to the west. Beach access, museums, and tons of cool stuff. The Gulf Coast my vote!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 12:46 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 12:46:41 -0500

Eglin, all day.
If I were 23 and single, the scenery in Pensacola and Panama City is hard to beat.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 12:48 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 12:48:08 -0500

I was stationed at both as a 46130 Munitions Spclst. Eglin is the best kept secret in the AF, and I loved it. The job was never boring. However, you might have to put up with a hurricane or two. Edwards is/was staffed mainly by civilian techs (NASA heavy), and some of the stuff I saw would blow your mind. I loved Edwards also, but the wife didn't because it is so remote. However, the proximity to LA and Vegas is an advantage.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Jan 27 at 2016 12:58 PM

MSgt James Mullis — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 12:58:24 -0500

Eglin wins hands down for the off duty fun in the sun category (i.e. Spring Break and young college kids). However, Edwards is better if you want to buckle down, learn your career, and stay out of trouble (really...I'm told some people want that).

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jan 27 at 2016 1:03 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 13:03:14 -0500

I was never at Eglin, but I was at Edwards from 2005-2010. Its interesting that you picked the two biggest bases in the AF. From a weather standpoint they are polar opposites. Edwards is in the desert. It's hot and windy in summer and cold and windy in winter.

You will need a car at Edwards. The base is huge and very spread out. There is a 17 mile drive from the west wall to the main gate. There is not decent public transportation on base and its a hike from the dorms to the BX. Its in the desert and dry. Edwards is about 75% civilian which brings its own issues. For example, a few years ago they shut down the DFAC because the civilians thought it was a waste of money. Totally screwed the military folks (both AF and USMC) on base. Luckily, after a few years, sensible minds prevailed and they reopened it.

Its located about 30 minutes from the nearest large city (Lancaster) with several smaller towns closer to base. Los Angeles is about a 1 hour drive away, depending on which part of LA you are going to.

If you have a family, all the base housing in brand new. The dorms are old, but they are in the process of rebuilding them.

Its good that you are researching this, but it comes down to what you want out of your off time.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 3:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 15:01:53 -0500

If you do wind up going to Eglin, stay away from Sammy's, The Green Frog and The Matador Club. Not that I, as a 23 y/o A1C in the early 80s, ever stepped foot inside either of those clubs. I was in Ft Walton last year and was surprised to see the Matador was still open after 30 years.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Jan 27 at 2016 3:41 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 15:41:53 -0500

Edwards is best if your are married, and Eglin if single or married that plans on divorcing.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 4:31 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 16:31:28 -0500

What do you do, what do you like, who will your coworkers be, what do you want out of your assignment? No base is inherently bad or good, like SSgt Leblanc said... It's all what you make of it.
Never been to either, so I can't give you advice. Google the area!

Response by SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 6:48 PM

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 18:48:06 -0500

As many people have stated, every base/location is what you make it. I squandered my time at Edwards, like many airmen and did the usual hang in the dorms and drink routine. I did get out some and head to the mountains but overall I had a terrible time there and clashed with the locals on a regular basis. I was a maintainer on T-38's primarily and was not thrilled with the airframe or mission. Honestly, I made it worse than it actually was due to immaturity. I think it would be an easy choice though, Eglin has a lot to offer plus the beach (if you like beaches)! I have worked flight TDY at Eglin in security forces and it seemed like a great place, especially as a visitor! Hands down Eglin!

Response by Sgt Mike Sarris made Jan 27 at 2016 9:44 PM

Sgt Mike Sarris — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 21:44:25 -0500

I would have loved to have gotten a set of orders to Edwards, that's where all the cool new toys are, but I never PCS'd away from Myrtle Beach AFB...Edwards was the only place I would have left Myrtle Beach for, that was a great base!

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2016 9:56 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 21:56:41 -0500

I was TDY to Eglin back in 2006. It was great.

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2016 8:37 AM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 08:37:10 -0500

All things being "equal" for you.... Eglin AFB would be my first choice in a heartbeat.

Response by CMSgt John Momaney made Jan 28 at 2016 11:31 AM

CMSgt John Momaney — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 11:31:27 -0500

Edwards is located in the high desert about 2 hours from LA. Use to be were the space shuttle landed sometimes. Was used for testing new Air Force fighter aircraft. General Chuck Yeager probably the best test pilot in the Air Force stationed there. Is still there today. You are surrounded by desert. Hot in the summer freezing in the winter. Not my favorite place. Avoid if possible. Now Eglin and Florida are the opposite of Edwards. Great weather and things to do. More main stream Air Force. If you like the outdoors it is perfect. I was stationed at Homstead AFB when it was open and enjoyed it.

Response by TSgt Keith Standifer made Jan 28 at 2016 4:12 PM

TSgt Keith Standifer — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 16:12:28 -0500

Was stationed at Eglin AFB for three years. Great coast line. Great beaches and half the liberals in it as CA has.

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2016 9:16 PM

TSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 30 Jan 2016 21:16:53 -0500

Eglin. Hands Down!

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 1 at 2016 6:22 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 01 Feb 2016 18:22:27 -0500

Edwards is where Air Force dreams come to die. I say Eglin. I'm at edwards now and we do cool things with jets and testing, but it's not the "real" Air Force in my opinion.

Response by Sgt Bruce C. made Feb 10 at 2016 9:39 AM

Sgt Bruce C. — Wed, 10 Feb 2016 09:39:28 -0500

I think that Eglin will give you more bang for your buck. I would think the cost of living there is a lot cheaper and then there is spring break.

Response by A1C George Bailey made Mar 8 at 2016 8:42 AM

A1C George Bailey — Tue, 08 Mar 2016 08:42:04 -0500

Edwards

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 7 at 2017 6:30 PM

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 18:30:12 -0500

I would like to say thanks to all of the responses I received! Just a little over a year since posting, and Eglin has provided the best 9 months on station.

Response by PO2 Dan Shulla made Mar 14 at 2017 6:27 PM

PO2 Dan Shulla — Tue, 14 Mar 2017 18:27:24 -0400

your last one and your next one

Response by A1C Stephen Muir made Jul 15 at 2017 8:43 PM

A1C Stephen Muir — Sat, 15 Jul 2017 20:43:37 -0400

Eglin AFB is a super base to be stationed at, a lot to do, and enjoy. The gulf of mexico is incredible for swimming and fishing, near by cities to enjoy, close to Pensacola Naval air station, just to much to say, and all good, just stay focused and out of trouble.
My dad retired there in 1973, I grew up close by, also retired from the USAF myself,
Eglin over Edwards, For Sure : ))

Response by A1C Carol Taylor made Sep 11 at 2017 10:52 AM

A1C Carol Taylor — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 10:52:41 -0400

Eglin AFB loved the people on base and Narvar had great clubs and beautiful private beach.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Sep 24 at 2017 5:18 PM

MSgt Mark Bucher — Sun, 24 Sep 2017 17:18:11 -0400

This is a no-brainer, Eglin. Edwards sucks, I spent 3.5 years there, the worst assignment of my career.

Response by A1C Danita Cronkhite made Feb 9 at 2018 9:27 AM

A1C Danita Cronkhite — Fri, 09 Feb 2018 09:27:30 -0500

I definitely would choose Eglin, there is a ton of things very close by to so off duty. If I had been given a choice between England and Homestead I wou have chosen Eglin, even 100 years ago when I was active duty.

Response by SrA Wayne Conell made Mar 7 at 2018 5:00 PM

SrA Wayne Conell — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 17:00:34 -0500

Edwards

Response by A1C Thomas Hudson made Jul 5 at 2018 1:37 PM

A1C Thomas Hudson — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 13:37:15 -0400

I would say Eglin. I never was at Edwards. I was sationed at Tydall in Panama City which is 50 miles down from Eglin. Extremely beautiful beaches.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Aug 14 at 2018 2:07 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 14:07:06 -0400

Eglin is located very near the Gulf. Sun, sand, surf (at least a little), etc. Lots of small towns around the base. Overall a military friendly area. Edwards AFB, CA, is out in the desert.

Response by A1C Rick Vdw made Dec 17 at 2019 5:01 PM

A1C Rick Vdw — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 17:01:46 -0500

If you want training and promotions Edwards, have fun Elgin

Response by SGT Kerry Sommers made Oct 2 at 2023 7:36 PM

SGT Kerry Sommers — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 19:36:04 -0400

Don’t drink the water wherever you go. Many toxic bases in the US and overseas. US poisons everywhere we go. Sad but true!